2007 Toyota Camry

alpha01

You must be very proud of completing school all the way up through 4 year Pre-K.

~alpha

maxamillion1

Where are ya when we need ya?

We gotta get rid of this non sense.

Kirstie_H

Yeah, moderator kirstie had to eat dinner, etc., but they're gone now.

jchan2

on the next generation Camry. Any new info out there?

gpolt

My point is simply if Toyota built the combination of V6 and Manual shift, it would sell.

The fact that it is so difficult to find that combination on the used market may lend support to my position.

As for the demand not being there in a sedan, just look at the Acura TL - it is a no cost option for the 6 speed MANUAL [Not a deduction for taking the manual!].. Further, postings on the Honda thread intimate that Honda will release a 6 speed MANUAL Accord V6 SEDAN this fall!.

Recall, Honda does sell plenty of LX and EX 4 cylinder MANUALS. If there is enough demand for that combination warranting the company to manufacture the car, why do you believe the substitution of a V6 engine would eliminate that demand?????

In any event, the photo renderings of the next Camry reveal such a sporty looking automobile, it is, IMHO, sad that it won't be offered in the combination befitting of a sports sedan.

chris65amg

The Camry isn't a sport sedan

It doesn't need to be. A Camry is a Camry, and the mentality of a comfortable, albeit boring, car is not going to change radically with the redesign. I thought that I saw dual exhaust pipes in one of the spy shots, and that could be a hint that there's a 3.5L lurking under the hood....

jchan2

is no sports sedan.

The average Camry buyer is a person who just wants a car that gets them from Point A to Point B reliably and comfortably.

lmacmil

"My point is simply if Toyota built the combination of V6 and Manual shift, it would sell."

Perhaps, but would it sell enough extra Camrys to justify the added manufacturing complexity? Obviously the Toyota marketing and finance folks don't think so. The Camry demographic in general does not want to shift. Heck, only 20% of them are even interested in the V6.

nippononly

Toyota has said in recent times that it is planning to sportify some of its line-up, in conjunction with itspush to reintroduce actual styling to the vehicles. I was moderately impressed with the Camry SE V-6 I drove recently - it had better moves than my friend's 4-cyl Accord EX.

So if Honda is going to begin building manual-shift V-6 Accords this fall, and Toyota actually means what it says about adding some pizzazz, why not build a sport Camry with the V-6 and a manual? I was in LA recently and saw two different Camrys that were totally tricked out - lowered, with 17-18" rims, the works. So there is an audience out there for this type of car, albeit a small one.

motownusa

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6050720.001

pzykofart

These pictures seem a little Accord-esque, IMO.

alpha01

Looks NOTHING like an Accord, besides the 4 doors. Seems like they're pretty serious about launching this next year, if they're already doing testing...I must say, I like that alloy wheel design and the tires do a better job of filling up the wheel wells (although I think the current gen Camry looks fine with the 16 in and 17 in tires...)

~alpha

gpolt

"Perhaps, but would it sell enough extra Camrys to justify the added manufacturing complexity? Obviously the Toyota marketing and finance folks don't think so. The Camry demographic in general does not want to shift."

Ohhh Pahleeeeeease! How complex can it be? They ALREADY make the stupid car in a manual so apparently Toyota admits that there is a large enough segment of the public wanting to shift, to warrant the manufacturing costs. I could see your argument if Toyota didn't offer the car AT ALL in a manual, BUT THEY DO!; albeit, a 4 cylinder. To offer it in a V6 would be pretty simple. It's not as if Toyota has to make new body stampings or anything. They already make the pedals, and the shifter for the MANUAL SHIFT 4 cylinder LE & SE. They already make the V6 engine. All they need is a heavier duty clutch. Heck - the guys at pimp my ride could do that in an hour.

In any event, I realize it's a moot discussion and that the die was cast long ago.
I'm assuming the new RAV4 - 6 cylinder, similarly, won't be offered with a manual even though the 4 cyl offers it. That leaves the BMW X3 as the only viable stick option in the small 6 cyl SUV category. Hmmmmm - only double the price of the RAV.

Still nice to dream though. I'm waiting to se what Honda does with the Accord for 2006.

Happy Motoring

210delray

Looks like the same one that appeared in Automotive News recently, but with the dust photo-shopped out. I like that fake "H" badge on the grille -- nice touch.

IMO, the car doesn't look all that different from the 2002-06 -- same basic shape and proportions. I realize the details will be different (grilles, headlights, side character lines, and taillights).

210delray

Only one fly in the ointment. Toyota would have to certify the V6/manual combo meets emissions standards. Is the cost worth the payback?

Kirstie_H

Don't forget tonight's member-to-member chat - it's open mic night, so come and discuss whatever's on your mind.

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

kirstie_h

dudleyr

They could do what acura does and not charge any less for the manual - payback would not take as long.

An EPA certification of an engine and tranny is good for any vehicles within 500 lbs of each other, so anything Toyota makes that is close to the Camry in weight would also be certified.

jchan2

I agree that the fake Honda badge is a nice touch.

Looks a little like a baby-Avalon.

carzzz

I also agree with you!
The spyshot from "toyotanation" looks better, however, when it is running next to a Gen 5, http://www.japanesecarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6050720.001/pageview/photo/photo/M- - ini3/page/1/toyota/1.html , i found it is quite similar to it! :surprise:

bartalk3

Just returned from London, where I saw on the street a Toyota Avensis. Very attractvie.Looked larger than a Camry and more upscale. Anybody know what this was and whether it's going to be released here as a Camry or other?

joecarnut

As I looked on that japanese car fan site, I checked out the toyota forums it had.
They have the European Avensis in station wagon form and if its any indicator, the new Camry will look great. If its not the new camry it still looks good.
Avensis Wagon Photo and
Car Version

alpha01

As far as I know, the US Camry and the Avensis overseas have never been all that similar. The Avensis, does, however, provide the chassis for our Scion tC, which indeed shares its engine with the Camry 4.

You never know.

~alpha

giantkiller

Look at this :
http://toyota.jp/premio/exterior/index2.html
The front and back looks the same for NG Camry except for the headlights and tailights.

lmacmil

"Just returned from London, where I saw on the street a Toyota Avensis."

I was in London a month ago and saw those also. Was that the one that looks like the last generation Lexus GS300?

dudleyr

I would take that wagon in a heartbeat - or a Camry wagon.

It won't happen though. Too many people fall for the SUV hype and Toyota makes more money on those.

If only gas gets up to $3.00 per gallon maybe things will start changing.

pzykofart

"...besides the 4 doors."

Hence, seem a little.

pzykofart

I drive a 1999 Camry XLE V6 (which runs just fine) and I think I'm opting for this next one (the hybrid iteration, preferably). I'm only 18, but I have 30K to dish out, and by the time this car is available, I'll have 45K. This will be my FIRST automobile purchase, in fact.

I'm looking for practicality (reliable transporation, gas, etc.). Is this a safe buy? Or is the Lexus IS 350 a better option, in terms of comfort (smoothness) and daily driving?

(BTW, I don't care much for handling and all that shibang. I just wan't to be comfortable in the car I drive in everyday.)

dudleyr

For practicality the regular 4-cylinder is hard to beat. The hybrid is not nearly as practical because the purchase price will probably be much higher.

The Lexus IS is not going to give you the smooth ride of the Camry. I would try the ES.

keep in mind that just because you have money for a vehicle does not mean you have to spend it all.

pzykofart

I don't want an ES because my mother owns one, and it shifts awkwardly.

And, money aside, what's the better car? Can the Lexus IS 350 be just as practical as the Camry (and maybe just as smooth)? Aren't all Lexus cars just as smooth (if not smoother) as a Camry?

1violinist

IS 350 would be very smooth, but the suspension might be on the stiffer side to achieve the sporty handling. The material and finish on the Lexus are superior to the Camry. Also consider that the IS 350 is smaller than Camry in exterior/interior dimensions, trunk space, etc.

pzykofart

Not too much smaller, I presume. I mean, compared to my 1999 Camry, how much is the difference anyway? A couple o' centimeters?

jchan2

Well, the Lexus IS350 is a compact, whereas the Camry is a midsize.

I'd wait and see what the next generation Camry looks like, and since you have that much money to spend on a car, I'd also wait to see the next generation Lexus ES too, since that's based on the Camry and you seem to like the Camry.

jchan2

I was in London a month ago and saw those also. Was that the one that looks like the last generation Lexus GS300?

The Toyota that is similar to the Lexus GS is the Toyota Aristo, or at least its called that in Hong Kong, where I travel to regularly.

The Toyota Windom is similar to the Lexus ES300/ES330. (overseas they're still using the 3.0L in the RX and ES)

lmacmil

Yes, Aristo, that was it. Can't seem to remember that name. Thanks.

autoguy1

I don't think it's similiar, If I'm not wrong, the Aristo is the GS.

pzykofart

Categorically speaking, you're right (if you compare the current Camry with the IS). But, mine isn't new and according to today's standards, it should be classified as compact, give or take.

The next ES, eh? Will that be available alongside the Camry (and will both still have that same weird transmission)? Oh, and thanks for the responses, guys.

alpha01

Can someone help me understand why all Camry engines for 2006 have been re-rated at substantially lower power and torque figures.

4 cylinder models:
2005: 160 horses and 163 foot pounds
2006: 154 horses and 160 foot pounds

3.0L V6 in LE/XLE
2005: 210 horses and 220 foot pounds
2006: 190 horses and 197 foot pounds

3.3L V6 in SE
2005: 225 horses and 240 foot pounds
2006: 210 horses and 220 foot pounds

What gives? I recall reading something about the SAE recalculating output, but cant find anything now, and if this was the case, why hasnt this affected models of other manufacturers? If theres an article ANYWHERE- mags, web, etc, please let me know so I can read it.

Thanks in advance!

~alpha

ctalk

That is so odd, i did some research but came up with nothing :confuse: . Does that mean its slower than the 2005 model? I doubt they would make the 2006 model slower than the 2005. Correct me if i'm wrong, i dont think the SAE rating changed (it may be more accurate)

nippononly

about the new SAE ratings for power output, and I have already forgotten what I was reading! :sick:

That might be what is going on though.

Bear in mind also that federal regs are finally phasing in many of California's emissions requirements for 2006, which is the reason the NSX is being dropped completely this year (for instance). In California, the power ratings with our emissions equipment have been lower than federal cars for several years now.

jchan2

should be. Might come out a few weeks or months late, but there's not much info on that car either.

Strange how power is dropping in the Camry line. I don't see the Accord, G35, and Malibu lose power for 2006...

Any Toyota insiders care to share why?

alpha01

here on edmunds.com?

I reference this because that article states: "The V6 in the IS 250 displaces 2.5 liters. Lexus rates it at 204 horsepower at 6,400 rpm with the 185 pound-feet of peak torque at 4,800 rpm using the SAE's latest rating regimen"

Something has changed with the calculation, obviously, otherwise, why would the power ratings be worth noting?

~alpha

alpha01

Here ya go, from a member on the 'Sedans' form, jbollt

"Alpha: I was just reading in Motor Trend that some auto manufacturers are using a new SAE rating formula..no real differnce, just a more accurate rating....I'll provide more info when I find the mag at home later. They did the same thing in the past (1970s?)

Edit...OK. I called home..page 42 Aug 2005 Motor Trend "

~alpha

jjpcat

I did some search on the web. The difference is not due to a new SAE test procedure. SAE is still using J1349 which was published in 1972. The issue is that auto companies had their own testing procedures and there was no 3rd party to verify their claims. There are several reports on the internet that GM has usually been on the conservative side in publishing their horsepower numbers. My feeling is that BMW/MB/Honda have also played it safe in most cases while many other companies have tried to inflat their numbers.

Now, it seems that GM and Toyota decided to follow SAE standard testing procedure and thus the numbers of those Toyota's engines came down.

jjpcat

http://www.sae.org/certifiedpower/details.htm

alpha01

"J1349 was updated last year to eliminate some ambiguities that allowed engine makers to cite power and torque ratings higher than the engine's actual capabilities."

~alpha

leemichaelb

The differences are also partly attributable (in the case of the V6) to the fact that Toyota is rating using regular unleaded...

vixter

I'm looking at my 06MY Camry ordering guide and the HP & Torque ratings appear to be identical to the 05MY. I'm not sure where you got your info.
Vic

alpha01

the Toyota website.

~alpha

ctalk

Interior 1
Interior 2
Interior 3
Looks like the Solara's interior...

http://www.carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=15380&page=9
There are some pictures of the exterior on the site above. Toyota covered it up pretty well.

jchan2

looks nice though.